Press Release: More than 13,500 People Tell the CFPB: Happy Birthday and Keep up the Good Fight

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Director Richard Cordray accepted delivery today of a set of birthday-card-style petitions in which more than 13,500 Americans express their support and gratitude for the Bureau’s efforts “to safeguard American consumers, families and communities against the deceptive and abusive practices of big banks, cred card companies, and unscrupulous lenders.” The CFPB, which first opened its doors in July of 2011, marked its fourth birthday just last week.

The petition signatures were gathered by National People’s Action, Americans for Financial Reform, Action for the Common Good, and the Home Defenders League. In addition to the petitions, the four groups delivered over 2,100 of personal statements from signers explaining why they value the CFPB’s work.

“Thank you for looking out for the consumer’s interests,” Kathryn Burns of Austin, Texas, wrote. “Sadly, that seems unpopular in Washington and in a lot of statehouses these days. But I’m very glad you’re there!”

Karen Boehler of Roswell, New Mexico, urged the Bureau to “continue to be a watchdog, not a lapdog agency.”

“A government agency doing something positive for the people,” wrote James Baker of Keswick, Va. “Thank you and take well deserved pride in your work.”

“My spouse was victim of a payday-style, debt-trap loan and we are still dealing with the aftermath,” said Arlyus Fones of Portland, Oregon. “Thanks for all you’re doing to prevent this sort of thing.”

A full set of the petitions and individual messages is posted here.

The petitions and individual messages may be viewed or downloaded at the following links: